St. Louis trip

We just got back from a quick trip to St. Louis (can you tell????) and had a great time! The main point of our visit was seeing G/G Smiley (see bottom of post) but we also met up with my brother/sister-in-law/cousins . . . lots of fun!

We decided to actually go up the arch . . . Kayla was a little hesitant, but did great!

Yep, we were there!

Went to Grant's Farm . . . highly recommend it!

This pic doesn't do the turtle justice -- insanely big!

I'm sure I should come up with a funny caption . . .

The cousins waiting for the animal show to begin

One of the many "tricks" -- the pig rolled out the red carpet.

They let this big 'ole owl loose . . .a little scary if you ask me!

We saw the Clyesdales up close -- huge.

Fun swim time with the kids!

Not a ton of swim pics . . . always a little dangerous to take around the water :)

Tyler's favorite place . . . out of the water and out of the pool!

Time with G/G Smiley! Grandma delighted in observing Tyler -- I think she was helping him fold his blanket -- only for him to unfold it!


We convinced Joshua to play a little something for Grandma . . . no telling how many students have played on that piano!

Sweet memories!

Joshua and G Grandpa.

It was hot in Kansas today. Wow!

More Summer Fun

We just finished our two weeks of "Swimming with Friends" . . . the kids LOVED it! This was Kayla's first year, and I think Joshua did a great job of "prepping" her for all that she needed to know. The highlight for her was jumping off the board!


And this would be Joshua jumping off the board. His strategy was the further he could jump, the less distance he would have to swim. Smart cookie, eh?

Just chillin!

Joshua's favorite method of swimming -- on his back!

Several weeks ago we had a western-themed VBS and "cowboy Bryan" gave roping a try. I think his flip flops completed the cowboy look!

Trip to WI

We took a trip to WI to see family . . . super fun! This picture was definitely taken at the beginning of the trip . . . 'cause Tyler's still grinning about being in the van!

Getting a ride from his uncle -- not quite sure what to think of it!

Going to the indoor water park has become a "staple" of a summer trip to WI! Grandma and Grandpa kept Tyler for the morning/evening so we had lots of "one on one" fun with J & K.

Joshua showing Grandpa the finer points of playing video games . . .

Some of the cousins together . . . certainly doesn't happen very often!

And, Gma and Gpa watched all of the kids so the "big kids" could have a meal together . . . such a treat!

Happy July 4th

To say that Joshua was excited about July 4th would positively be the understatement of the year! When it started raining this afternoon, no pouring, we had one pretty upset little boy. But, the weather cleared by 8 and things started happening!

Still not so fond of the "unnecessarily loud" (mama's words) fire works!

My brother and sis-in-law were in town this past so we got to hang out with them and do fun things with the cousins . . . like light off more fireworks! Yes . . . the extension cord served as the "safety barrier!"

J determined to catch the parachute!

Eating with EVERYONE at Chuch E. Cheese -- that's a mass of humanity there!

Uncle Ryan might have played a substantial role in our ticket accumulation!

Aunt Carly and Lena Mae . . . this was our first chance to see Steve and Freya's youngest!

Last week, we took the day to go visit Great Grandma & Great Grandpa. Lots of fun. For the record . . . notice that EVERYONE is not only looking at the camera but also smiling . . . truly a miracle!

Tyler, Bryan and Grandpa . . . studying the latest corn crop

Grandma and Tyler . . . why of course, they planned on having matching outfits!

J & K had lots of fun swinging on the swings . . . talk about a trip down memory lane!

Tyler's shades and bike ride

Chasing hot air balloons tonight in Topeka, Kansas

Duh!

DQ ice cream with the family

Family fun in the water

Yesterday we took a few hours as a family and went to a nearby pool/water park. Lots of fun!

Joshua definitely enjoyed the lazy river more than Kayla!

"What's up with all this water?????" In all fairness to Tyler, we completely barged in on his nap time, so he was ready for the party to end sooner than the others!

And then . . . on the way home, there was a random turtle that was directionally challenged in crossing the road. So (only in KS) one of the other drivers had some garden shears that he used to prod the turtle across the road. It made quite an impact on the kids as Kayla SPECIFICALLY prayed for the turtle at night when we tucked her in!

Angel on a train

Summer fun

Well, folks . . . I thought I should document this . . . Joshua's first piano lesson! So far, so good!


So last week I walked into the kitchen to find this . . . One of the older two kids had left a almost empty, completely crushed sleeve of saltine crackers within Tyler's reach. It must have seemed like a perfect opportunity for him to help himself!


And Kayla's newest favorite thing . . . hitting the ball WITHOUT the tee . . . she is much too old for that now, I guess!

Trip to Worlds of Fun!

This past week, we took advantage of WOF's Twilight deal and had a GREAT time as a family! It was one of the days you just want to "bottle up" and remember forever! We got there at 4 pm and walked out at 9 pm -- and ALL THREE KIDS did great! No melt-downs, fits, or tantrums. Amazing. And, there were no lines -- literally.

Bryan took the older two on this . . . not very up close, I know!

Joshua was 48" exactly . . . and I do mean exactly . . . so he was "eligible" to ride some of the "big people" rides. Since Kayla could ride with an adult, Joshua ended up riding most by himself -- he was such a trooper!

On the carousel

Hanging out at Camp Snoopy (the kid's area)

Two years ago, we spent FOREVER here! Still enjoyed it this time.

Probably the most enjoyable part for Tyler of the whole day! Once you scooped enough balls into the hoses . . .

. . . this would happen! The cart tips and it "rains" balls!

This catepillar kid's roller coaster was probably the favorite of the day. I bet J & K rode it 15 times AT LEAST. Since there were no lines, the ride personnel would just ask if they wanted to ride it again instead of unbuckling/rebuckling, etc. It was great!

Happy as a clam!

Kayla LOVED seeing Snoopy . . . Joshua . . . um . .. not so much!